After Surgery
Post-Surgery Diet Restrictions
Patients must commit to following a strict diet in the months after surgery in order to heal and prevent complications.
In general, patients follow a liquid protein diet for the first 3 weeks after surgery prior to advancing to soft proteins. After 8 weeks patients are allowed to incorporate solid proteins as well as vegetables and fruits. Grains and high starch vegetables are restricted until 6 months after surgery. Long term, patients need to adhere closely to their bariatric lifestyle or weight regain will occur.
Patients will receive education at their consultation and they will have in-person classes with the dietician before and after surgery to review the diet restrictions and advancements.
Post-Surgery Vitamins
Patients will require Bariatric Multivitamins and Calcium Citrate 1000 mg lifelong after surgery.
These supplements play a crucial role maintaining adequate nutrition and good health.
When patients do not take their recommended supplements, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and serious health complications can occur.
Office Visits
Throughout the first year after surgery, it is important that patients prioritize and attend their post-operative appointments with their bariatric team. At each visit the provider will review diet and weight loss, discuss exercise habits/barriers, and evaluate any potential concerns a patient might be experiencing. Labs are ordered and reviewed several times in the first year to monitor for nutritional deficiencies. Obesity related comorbidities will also be evaluated, and often medications can be stopped or decreased as weight is decreasing.
Once a patient has met their weight loss goals the journey does not end. We encourage all of our patients to be seen at least annually to monitor labs and progress. Obesity is a complicated chronic disease, and lifelong attention to healthy eating and exercise habits are crucial to successful weight loss maintenance. As life changes, so do our behaviors, and weight gain can occur. Patients experiencing weight regain or struggling to sustain a healthy lifestyle should commit to more frequent office visits and support just as with any other disease.
Nutrition Classes
The following is a list of required nutrition classes after surgery:
3-Week Post-Op Class- This class is required for bariatric patients three weeks post-op. Patients will learn about Phase 3 of the bariatric diet, including protein and fluid goals, foods that are safe to incorporate, foods to avoid, appropriate portion sizes, beverage selections, recommended eating schedule, and exercise recommendations.
8-Week Post-Op Class- This class is required for bariatric patients who are eight weeks post-op. Patients will learn about Phase 4 of the bariatric diet, including calorie/macronutrient/fluid goals, foods that are safe to incorporate, foods to avoid, appropriate portion sizes, beverage selections, recommended eating schedule, and exercise recommendations.
6-Month Post-Op Class– This class is required for bariatric patients who are six months post-op. Patients will learn about the bariatric lifestyle diet, including calorie/macronutrient/fluid goals, complex vs. simple carbohydrates, appropriate portion sizes, risks of alcohol and carbonated beverages, meal & snack planning, and exercise recommendations.
Never advance your diet unless told by your surgeon, PA, or dietitian.
Support Groups
In addition to the required Nutrition Classes above we offer monthly support groups for our patients!
Support groups are instructed by various team members including licensed behavioral therapists and dietitians, and groups can be very helpful during challenging seasons in your weight loss journey.
Support groups can be a great opportunity for patients to talk and brainstorm with other patients who have undergone surgery.
Additional Considerations After Surgery
Alcohol
Alcohol must be avoided for at least 6 months after surgery while the stomach is healing. Alcohol can damage the stomach lining and contribute to dangerous complications such as gastric leaks, ulcers, and GI bleeding.
Long term it is recommended that bariatric patients avoid or significantly limit alcohol as it provides no nutritional value, and it is high in "empty" calories which can contribute to weight loss stalls and weight regain. In addition, absorption of alcohol can change after bariatric surgery leading to increased intoxication and higher risks of Alcohol Use Disorders. Bariatric patients should never operate vehicles or machinery after drinking alcohol.
Nicotine
Patients must avoid all forms of nicotine for 2 months prior to surgery and indefinitely following surgery. Patients who use nicotine often experience reflux and nausea following bariatric surgery. In addition nicotine increases the risks of injury to the stomach lining and can contribute to ulcers, GI bleeding, and gastric leaks.
Pregnancy
Significant weight loss can increase chances of fertility. Women of childbearing age should take measures to avoid pregnancy for 12-18 months after bariatric surgery.